Fuente de los Ojos de Señora de Chilla

## Overview Fuente de los Ojos de Señora de Chilla is a public drinking spring located near the town of Candeleda in the province of Ávila, in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Spain. Situated at approximately 40.184°N, 5.295°W, this spring lies in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos, a dramatic mountain range known for its granite peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant natural water sources fed by snowmelt and underground aquifers. The name "Ojos de Señora de Chilla" connects the spring to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Chilla, a revered hermitage located in the mountains above Candeleda. The sanctuary and its surrounding landscape have been a place of pilgrimage and devotion for centuries, and the natural springs in the area have historically served as refreshment points for travelers and pilgrims making their way through the Gredos foothills. The waters emerging here are characteristic of the Sierra de Gredos — typically cool, clear, and low in mineralization, flowing through ancient granite bedrock. Candeleda itself sits at the southern edge of the Sierra de Gredos, enjoying a notably mild microclimate that supports olive groves, fig trees, and even some subtropical vegetation. The spring is part of a network of natural water sources that have sustained the local population and its agriculture for generations. Visitors have historically used the water from springs in this area as drinking water, and the fuente is designated as a public drinking spring, though water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From the center of **Candeleda**, head north toward the mountains, following signs for the **Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Chilla** (also marked as "Ermita de Chilla" on some maps). 2. The road climbs into the Sierra de Gredos foothills along a scenic route that passes through olive groves and oak woodland. 3. The spring is located along or near this route at GPS coordinates **40.1838, -5.2954**. Use these coordinates in a GPS device or mapping app for precise navigation. 4. Look for a traditional stone fountain or spout — public drinking springs in this region are typically marked with a small structure or signpost. *Note: Road conditions in the Gredos foothills can vary, especially in winter or after heavy rain. A vehicle with reasonable clearance is recommended if venturing onto unpaved tracks.* ## What to Expect The spring is set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra de Gredos, with views of rugged granite slopes, Mediterranean forest, and the lush valley below Candeleda. The surrounding landscape is rich in biodiversity — the Gredos range is home to the iconic Spanish ibex (*Capra pyrenaica victoriae*), as well as eagles, vultures, and a wide variety of wildflowers in spring and early summer. As a public drinking spring (*fuente*), expect a traditional fountain or spout where water flows freely. Springs in this part of the Gredos are typically cool year-round, though flow may diminish during the driest months of late summer. The water has been historically used as drinking water by locals and pilgrims, but as with any natural source, conditions can change — particularly after storms or during periods of drought. The area around the spring is ideal for combining a visit with a hike toward the Santuario de Chilla or deeper into the Sierra de Gredos. Candeleda offers restaurants, accommodations, and local products including excellent olive oil, paprika (*pimentón de la Vera*), and goat cheese — perfect for a picnic near the spring.